What Is Wrong with the Minnesota Vikings?

As I sat on the couch watching the Vikings lose another game they should have won. Minnesota has been bumped from the playoffs in the first round by the Eagles, 26-14.

I can honestly say that I've been a Vikings fan since I knew what football was, so nearly 10 years. I've stuck with them through thick and thin. Good times and bad times. For once in my life, I have to say it: Something is wrong with the Vikings.

With a good regular season of 10 wins with six losses, I was left with hope for the playoffs. As it always seems to go, the Vikings couldn't make it to the second round.

It's time for a change in Minnesota ,and here are a few things that will help.

1. Address the Quarterback Situation

Tarvaris Jackson isn't the answer for us. After his four-touchdown performance, I actually thought he was on to something after not starting since Week Two. Gus Frerotte will likely retire when the season ends unless he wants to be a backup next year for us or some desperate team.

Here are some options the Vikings can look for next season.

a. The draft: There are several top-quality quarterbacks Minnesota could likely select (Tim Tebow, Josh Freeman, Mark Sanchez, Rhett Bomar). I would love to see Tebow in purple next year because he is a run-and-pass type quarterback.

b. Free Agency: Kurt Warner is a reach seeing as Arizona will likely re-sign him to a one-year deal. Jeff Garcia is going to be 38 years old, but he could still perform well with the proper care. Last but not least is Kerry Collins, who led the Tennessee Titans to a 13-3 record. All these quarterbacks are up there in age but would out-perform the likes of Tarvaris Jackson.

c. Trade: Matt Cassel was recently franchised, but he will be the backup to Tom Brady if he plays next season. The Patriots will likely try and trade Matt for the right price. Derek Anderson of the Browns is also likely to be cut or traded soon. Donovan McNabb is a long-shot because it looks as though he will stay in Philadelphia.

2. Fix the right tackle spot

Ryan Cook has been very inconsistent all throughout the year. Artis Hicks had to be converted from guard to tackle after Cook couldn't seem to block anybody. The Vikings should try to address this need with their first round pick or go for a free-agent like Jordan Gross or Jon Runyan.

3. Find the true No. 2 Wide Receiver

Sidney Rice in 15 games had only 141 yards with four touchdowns. Pretty bad for a guy that I thought was going to have a break-out season. Minnesota could go for a late-round pick on a quality receiver or look for a decent one in free-agency like a Bobby Engram or Devery Henderson.

4. Who is going to be Minnesota's Left end?

I still have faith in Brian Robison, who was impressive vs. the Eagles. Ray Edwards is injury prone. I really think the Vikings' front seven is set, but if there is one position to fix, it's on the left side. There are several free-agents to look at: Julius Peppers, Terrell Suggs, and Kevin Carter.

5. Who stays and who goes?

Jim Kleinsasser is a Vikings veteran and an important part of Minnesota's running game because of how good of a blocker he is. I have Kleinsasser being re-signed. Matt Birk has been healthy more often lately but the Vikings have talented backups waiting for him. It's 50-50 on the Vikes bringing him back.

Darren Sharper has declined over the last two years, and I doubt the Vikings re-sign him.

I'm excited for Minnesota's season next year, if they can improve their biggest needs of the secondary and the offensive line. Feel free to explain what else would help the Vikings improve next year. I listed my top five reasons. What are yours?